Red Robin Fries (Copycat Recipe) + Video

These copycat Red Robin Fries are thick, crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside perfection!!! They’re oven-baked with a bold, tangy seasoning that tastes just like the restaurant favorite… only better, because you never have to ask for a refill. The homemade Red Robin-style spice mix brings out every savory, salty, craveable note, and the golden edges crisp up beautifully right in your oven. Fry basket who???

Red Robin Fries

OK… let’s rewind to 2008. I was face-deep in a basket of bottomless steak fries at Red Robin, and completely obsessed.

But no matter how many times I asked for refills, it was never enough. So naturally… I decided to make them myself. 

These thick-cut beauties are crispy, salty, and fluffy in all the right ways. And that seasoning??? Absolute magic.

I even went full detective and cracked the code. It’s a little tomato-y, a little smoky, and totally addictive.

Now when we serve burgers or grilled chicken at home, these copycat Red Robin steak fries have to make an appearance.

They’re my ride-or-die side dish, and yes… I still eat more than my fair share. {{no shame}}

Enjoy homemade Red Robin fries with a gourmet burger or crispy chicken tenders.

Sometimes, Munchkin and I even have a night of just fries for dinner. I told you they were that good!!

And don’t forget the dipping sauces. Buttermilk ranch, ketchup, BBQ sauce, honey mustard… choose your favorite or mix and match a few.

INGREDIENT NOTES

• Potatoes: Russet potatoes are the best choice for making homemade Red Robin french fries, thanks to plenty of starch. It gives that fluffy, fry-shop interior that is utterly craveable!
  
• Oil: Helps the seasoning stick and creates a crispy, golden crust.
  
  Vegetable oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, but canola or avocado oil are great alternatives.
  
• Seasoning: Most locations will sell bottles of Red Robin Fry Seasoning for you to take home, but you can also make a similar blend with ingredients from your pantry!
  
  Chili powder and cumin add warmth and depth, while kosher salt and black pepper are essential for bold, balanced flavor.
  
  However, the real secret ingredient is instant tomato soup mix. Depending on your store, it may be located with the canned soup or the Mexican spices.

VARIATIONS

Spicy Fries: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne or chipotle powder to the seasoning blend.

Garlic Parmesan: Toss baked fries with freshly grated parmesan and garlic powder right out of the oven.

Loaded Style: Top Red Robin steak fries with melted cheese, bacon bits, and scallions

Ranch Fries: Add 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning to the spice mix for a tangy twist.

Sweet Potato Version: Swap in sweet potatoes and reduce the baking time slightly.

RED ROBIN STEAK FRIES FAQ

After years of testing every oven fry trick out there, here’s what works: use Russet potatoes for the perfect interior texture, and toss them in oil before baking to get those golden edges.

The real secret? Space and flip. If your wedges are touching on the pan, they’ll steam instead of crisp. And rotating the pans halfway through ensures even browning.

As for the seasoning… Red Robin’s blend has a tangy-sweet tomato flavor from instant soup mix, which adds both umami and a hint of color.

Layering it before and after baking locks in bold flavor on every bite.

TOOLS NEEDED

• Two baking sheets
  
• Measuring spoons
  
• Spatula or tongs for flipping
  
• Parchment paper (optional, for easier cleanup)

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Originally published September 2011, updated and republished August 2025

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